Q:What's a typical workday like for you?
I extract patient samples of Vitamin D and analyze them on an instrument called an LC-MS/MS or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, to obtain numerical values. The medical center recently started testing for Vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium.
Q:How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?
I support diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patient problems and clinical conditions through analysis of patient samples such as blood and urine. Medical technologists are the unseen "middleman" between the patient and the doctor.
Q:Who do you interact with during the course of the day?
I interact with fellow laboratory professionals, doctors, nurses and outside clients.
Q:Why did you become a clinical laboratory technologist?
I decided to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering upon entering the University of Minnesota. I excelled in math, science (specifically chemistry) and laboratory methods, so I thought this would be a good fit. I later decided I wanted a more direct connection to the health of my community through science and laboratory medicine and found that a degree in medical technology would give me what I was looking for.
